How do we start addressing identities in clinical practice and supervision? Should the client initiate discussion or should the therapist bring up identities? Thoughtful identity awareness includes our professional (e.g., art therapist, psychotherapist, counselor, supervisor, supervisee) and personal identities (e.g., gender, race, sexual orientation, ability) that influence the therapeutic and supervisory relationships. Similarly, talking about the social location of clients in supervision is acceptable, but what about the identities of the supervisor and/or supervisee? Who starts the conversation — the supervisor or the supervisee? In either case, it can feel like a waiting game, with the client, therapist, supervisor or supervisee wanting these discussions but not knowing where to start. Or perhaps speaking about identities are being avoided due to discomfort or fear of doing something wrong. The risk of not explicitly speaking about identities can negatively impact the work. Therapy may remain at a superficial level; and in the supervisory relationship, not discussing identities can trickle down to daily clinical work. This 3-hour workshop intends to shine light on the unspeakable, removing the taboo nature, encouraging participants, whether clinicians, supervisors or both, to start the conversation because of the inherent power held. Exploring our identities and social location, participants will focus on their impact in clinical work with clients and in supervision with the supervisor and/or supervisee. As part of the workshop, which is appropriate for counselors and therapists of any discipline or stage of their career, participants will engage in artmaking to better grasp the benefits of discussing matters of identity in supervision.

Presenting with Daniel Blausey MA, ATR-BC, LCAT

Eligible for 3.0 Clock/Credit Hours: NBCC, ATCB; NASW, MFT; SWNYS, LMHC, LCAT (New York State only)
Not eligible for APT Credits